Certain protocols apply when submitting files for either digital photographic or inkjet prints. Proper submissions are required for us to guarantee stated turn around times. Files which are not supplied in correct form will take more time and may incur additional charges for computer art time or RUSH printing.

THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA MUST BE MET:

Regarding formatting

• Build files at final trim size or at correct proportion (i.e. half size, quarter size).
• Do not use bleeds.
• Never include pages that are not to be printed.
• Whenever possible, submit files in native format.

Regarding photo elements

• All photo elements must be uncompressed RGB — TIFF, JPEG or EPS files.
• Photos imported into page layout programs should be cropped before importing.
• All files should be flattened after deleting all unused channels or paths.

Regarding graphic color assignments

• Always choose Pantone Coated colors for proper color management.
• Never change the name of the Pantone you have selected.
• Using CMYK builds will negate our color management and results may be unpredictable.
• Avoid using percentages of color, instead choose a specific Pantone Coated color.

Regarding fonts

• Always supply ALL fonts when using layout programs such as QuarkXPress.
• Always convert fonts to curves when applicable; such as when working in Illustrator.
• Never use text “stylizing” tools, as large format printers do not recognize these selections.

Regarding PDF formatting

• Make sure that all fonts are selected and turned “on” if saving as PDF from the
  native format.
• Never have any compression turned on when saving files.

Tips for specific application software

QuarkXPress and InDesign are the two prefered page layout programs for large format output. Photoshop will work well in many cases and Illustrator along with other drawing programs will work, but are not prefered for large format output.

When using QuarkXPress

• Do not use QuarkXpress Gradients — they result in banding:
  instead, use Photoshop and add Noise, then import into QuarkExpress.

When using Adobe Illustrator

• Do not use Illustrator Gradients or Blends — they may cause banding:
  instead, use Photoshop and add Noise, then import into Illustrator.
  If you choose to use Illustrator gradients, never end with 0 levels of color.
• Do not use the Transparency feature — results may vary from the preview.
• When using Illustrator 10, save files back to Illustrator 9 — the printer drivers work better.

The Last Word on Color Matching

• All Large Format printers use six or seven color inkjet print heads to emulate Pantone colors. These printers will NEVER truly match offset spot colors. Pigment inks are more limited than dyes.